Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The expert group on the return to sport will be working closely with national governing bodies on opening gates for sports clubs. We will require the guidance of NPHET on mass gatherings. We are aware of how important it is for sporting organisations to have people in attendance at live events but we do not know how much we will be able to permit as time goes on. If we can continue in the right direction with respect to new cases and containing the virus as we have done, I hope there will be some scope in the matter for the second half of the year.

With regard to the boxing matter, I informed the House earlier that I have asked officials to draft correspondence to broadcasters, including BT and Sky, as well as to my counterpart in the UK, to express our outrage. I am very concerned about the reputation of boxing in this country and particularly the confusion that may arise with amateur boxing, for example. It is very unfair on those involved.

We are looking for the lowest possible rate for the tourism and hospitality sector as we know it would bring a major advantage to the industry. Fáilte Ireland has a major campaign planned to encourage people to holiday at home this year, and the acceleration of the roadmap has facilitated that.

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